Clonduff made history on Sunday as they won the All-Ireland Intermediate Title by a point in Croke Park.
Clonduff beat Waterford side Gailltír 0-10 to 0-09 to secure the first ever All-Ireland success for the club writes Sean Forsythe.
The victory will taste all the more sweet for 10 members of the panel who were part of the Down squad who were defeated in the All-Ireland final in September.
Check the link: Clonduff Win All Ireland Camogie Championship
Paula Gribben, Sara-Louise Carr and Fionnuala Carr were three members of that squad and were standout performers for Clonduff throughout the game yesterday.
The Carr sisters contributed a combined four points to Clonduff’s tally whilst skipper Gribben put in a complete all-round performance to ensure she was the player of the match for Clonduff.
Clonduff had their foot to the floor from the start as the they flew out of the traps to score the first 5 points of the game including three converted frees and a 45 from Gribben with Sara-Louise Carr also firing over an outstanding point.
Gailltír fought back with 2 scores from Annie Fitzgerald reducing the deficit to 0-05 to 0-02.
It was the Carr sisters who would restore the five point margin for Clonduff with a point from Sara-Louise and a mammoth point from distance for Fionnuala making the scores 7-2.
Gailltír began to grow into the game however and it was beginning to show on the scoreboard as they got the last 3 points before half time to make it 0-07 to 0-06 with Gailltír on the front foot.
The second half saw a reduction in scoring in what was becoming a tense affair with the stake so high for both sides.
Clonduff dominated the opening stages of the second half and it was the scores they got in this period which would take them across the finish line as they got four points ahead with well taken scores.
In the closing stages Gailltír fought back and will be left to rue missed golden goal chances from Jackman, Carroll and Fitzgerald.
Clonduff clung on however and were rewarded for starting the stronger side in both halves as the game finished 0-10 to 0-09 in Clonduff’s favour to ensure wild celebrations in both Dublin and the Hilltown area on Sunday night.
